the way nature intended

fort myers & sanibel beaches

When nature is allowed to run its course, a beach’s individual character shines through. And with so many islands in Southwest Florida, finding your perfect beach is easy. Relax on our shores, but you’ll find beaches aren’t just for slowing down. Stay active with activities like volleyball, cycling, kayaking, paddleboarding and shelling. Shell collecting is one of our most popular beach activities, and aficionados travel from all over the world to explore our shell selection. Find them on nearly every beach, but it’s Sanibel and Captiva islands that gather the most, thanks to their unique geography.

Family-friendly resorts, Gulf-side seafood restaurants and energetic nightlife can be found on seven miles of white, sandy coastline in Fort Myers Beach. Be sure to stop by Times Square, a unique shopping and dining area located at the Fort Myers Beach Pier. Ride the trolley or walk the boardwalks over tidal lagoons to Lovers Key State Park, an isolated ribbon of beach skirted by fledgling sea oats. The rest of the world drifts away with only your loved ones to keep you company on this isolated and romantic beach.

Then farther south on Bonita Beach, you’ll find good shelling and the county’s only off-leash dog beach. Or island-hop by boat to the bridgeless islands of North Captiva and Cayo Costa State Park. Remote and sparsely populated, you’ll find wide-open beaches and a more exclusive selection of shells. For the feeling of an outer island, but with the less sea-worthy in mind, Boca Grande Beach is accessible by road ($6 causeway toll) on Gasparilla Island along with five beaches facing the Gulf of Mexico.